Final answer:
The statement about the differences in infant treatment between Central African forager families and Western cultures is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that one of the most striking differences between the treatment of babies in the forager families of Central Africa and the treatment of infants in Western cultures is the way infants are integrated into the daily life of the community.
In forager societies, such as among the Pygmies of Central Africa or the San people of the Kalahari desert, children are kept close to their mothers during the first year of life.
As they grow older, they are often minded by relatives or friends when their mothers are gathering resources. This communal rearing and the relatively indulgent early childhood experience contrast with the more independent, often scheduled, and institutional care common in Western societies.
In the context of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the emphasis is on mobility, flexibility in diet, and the importance of strong social bonds within small communities. The presence and participation of children in daily life are part of a survival strategy that relies on the collective effort and knowledge sharing among community members.
Anthropological studies have shown these societies offer a more leisurely lifestyle with less work hours compared to agricultural societies. Insights from forager societies can enlighten our modern perspectives on child-rearing, health, and community wellbeing.